John L. Gagliardo Sr. 1940-2025

He was born Jan. 11, 1940, in Mount Vernon, New York, a son of Anthony and Mary Lesicko Gagliardo, and relocated to the Youngstown area in 1953.

John was a member of IUOE Local 66 and worked as an operating engineer for Mike Coates Construction for several years, prior to retiring in 2003.

He was also a veteran and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-58.

He married the former Joann J. Pesa on Nov. 26, 1960. Together they shared nearly 44 years of marriage and many wonderful memories. She preceded him in death on Oct. 4, 2004.

John was an avid bowler and participated in several local leagues, having turned professional in 1990. He also enjoyed golfing and for a year he held the Hoover Memorial Trophy, which was a friendly award exchanged with his golfing buddies.

John was a skilled carpenter, having built his own homes and for a time he and his brother owned and operated their own company, Butcher Bros. Construction. He was a perfectionist and if he felt his work wasn’t up to standard he’d famously say, “It’s not a church job.”

John’s greatest joy was being with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he dearly loved. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by three sons, John (Denise Sayres) Gagliardo Jr. of Youngstown, Alan (Suzie) Gagliardo of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Art (Julie) Gagliardo of Port St. Lucie, Florida. He also leaves behind a half-brother, Frank Lesicko of Cape Coral, Florida; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Besides his wife, John was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Anthony, Frank and William Gagliardo; two stepbrothers, John and Steve Lesicko; and a great-great granddaughter, Brookelynn.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, at the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown. Friends may call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

John will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife in Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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